Backpack configured to carry a pillow

ABSTRACT

A backpack configured to carry a pillow includes a carrying case and a strap operably connected to a surface of the carrying case. The strap is connected to the carrying case such that a user can carry the backpack over his or her shoulder. The carrying case includes an opening configured to permit insertion and removal of the pillow.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/344,486, filed Aug. 5, 2010. The subject matter of this earlierfiled application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to backpacks. More specifically,the present invention relates to backpacks that are configured to carrya pillow.

BACKGROUND

Pillows and plush pillow toys are generally known. Plush toys also existthat convert into backpacks. Carriers for pillows exist as well.However, such systems lack the convenience and utility of a carrierspecifically designed to fit a pillow and to be carried as a backpack.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide solutions tothe problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved byconventional pillows and pillow carrying systems. For example, certainembodiments of the present invention pertain to a backpack-style carrierthat is specifically designed to carry a pillow.

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a carrying case configured tocarry a pillow and a strap operably connected to a surface of thecarrying case. The strap is connected to the carrying case such that auser can carry the apparatus containing the pillow over his or hershoulder as a backpack. The carrying case includes an opening configuredto permit insertion and removal of the pillow.

In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a carrying case configuredto house a pillow via an opening in the carrying case and one or morestraps operably connected to a surface of the carrying case. Theapparatus also includes one or more fasteners configured to at leastpartially close the opening of the carrying case to enclose the pillowwithin. The one or more straps are connected to the carrying case suchthat a user can carry the apparatus containing the pillow as a backpack.

In yet another embodiment, an apparatus includes a carrying caseconfigured to enclose a pillow via an opening in the carrying case and aplurality of straps operably connected to an external surface of thecarrying case. The plurality of straps is configured to facilitatecarrying of the apparatus as a backpack. The apparatus also includes oneor more fasteners configured to at least partially close the opening ofthe carrying case to enclose the pillow within. The apparatus furtherincludes one or more handles configured to facilitate carrying of theapparatus when not used as a backpack. The carrying case includes anon-rigid fabric configured to conform to a shape of the pillow. Thecarrying case is also configured to house a pillow of predetermineddimensions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of certain embodiments of the inventionwill be readily understood, a more particular description of theinvention briefly described above will be rendered by reference tospecific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings.While it should be understood that these drawings depict only typicalembodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered tobe limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explainedwith additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a backpack configured to carry apillow, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the backpack configured to carry apillow, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the backpack configured to carry apillow, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the backpack configured to carry apillow, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the backpack configured to carry apillow, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a backpack configured to carry apillow, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

It will be readily understood that the components of various embodimentsof the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in thefigures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety ofdifferent configurations. Thus, the following more detailed descriptionof the embodiments of the apparatuses of the present invention, asrepresented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit the scopeof the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of selectedembodiments of the invention.

The features, structures, or characteristics of the invention describedthroughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more embodiments. For example, the usage of “certainembodiments,” “some embodiments,” or other similar language, throughoutthis specification refers to the fact that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodimentmay be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus,appearances of the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “in someembodiments,” “in other embodiments,” or other similar language,throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the sameembodiment or group of embodiments, and the described features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more embodiments.

Some embodiments of the present invention pertain to a backpackconfigured to carry a pillow. Such functionality has the convenience andadvantages of a backpack while facilitating portability of the pillowhoused within. Millions of individuals count their pillow as a prizednighttime and naptime possession, and to carry one's own pillow has beenmedically proven to help individuals to sleep better. However, there arefew systems specifically designed to carry a pillow outside of the home.Accordingly, some embodiments of the present invention permit users totake a pillow on family trips, business trips, vacations, camping trips,or to any other destination or event that is desired. Some embodimentsof the present invention are further designed to meet TransportationSafety Administration (TSA) and airline carry-on regulations so thebackpack accommodates air travel, and a pillow does not count asluggage. It is possible in many embodiments to place the backpack withinthe pillow case. Further, such a backpack can be carried on a strollerin many embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a backpack 100 configured to carry apillow, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Backpack100 includes a carrying case 102. Carrying case 102 includes two straps104 that are attached, in part, to carrying case 102 by seam 106. Straps104 may also be connected to carrying case 102, for example, by seams onthe top and bottom of carrying case 102 (not shown). A pillow may beinserted into carrying case 102 via an opening on the top of carryingcase 102. However, the location and configuration of the opening issubject to the desired design and may be at any location on the carryingcase, including the sides, bottom, front, and back.

In some embodiments, carrying case 102 may be specifically designed tohouse a pillow of predetermined dimensions. Carrying case 102 may alsobe fashioned at least in part from a non-rigid material that readilyconforms to the shape of a pillow, such as nylon, polyester, cotton, anyblended or woven fabric, plastic, rubber, or any other non-rigidmaterial, as would be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in theart. The backpack may also be configured to meet TSA and airlinecarry-on regulations.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of backpack 100, according to anembodiment of the present invention. The opening on the top of carryingcase 102 may be at least partially closed by buttons 108 that aresecured through slits 110. Buttons 108 may be attached to carrying case102, straps 104, or both, via thread or any other suitable securingmechanism, as would be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in theart. While buttons are shown here, the opening of carrying case 102 maybe at least partially closed by other closing mechanisms in someembodiments. Such closing mechanisms may include, but are not limitedto, zippers, clasps, snaps, toggles, and hook-in-loop fasteners (such asVelcro®). Embodiments of the present invention are also not limited bythe placement of the fasteners used to close the opening of the carryingcase, and fasteners of multiple types may be used. In some embodimentsnot illustrated here, rather than securing the carrying case via anopposite surface thereof, a flap may be present via which the buttons orother fastening mechanism close the opening of the carrying case.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of backpack 100, according to anembodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in this view, seam106 forms and divides an upper loop 112 and a lower loop 114 in strap104. In some embodiments, upper loop 112 may be configured to be securedto objects and devices such as a stroller. A crease 116 runs the lengthof carrying case 102 in this embodiment, but may not be present in otherembodiments. Lower loop 114 is separated by an opening 118 from carryingcase 102 in this view. However, in many embodiments, lower loop 114 ismade from a flexible material, and may be moved towards or away fromcarrying case 102 as desired by the user.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of backpack 100, according to anembodiment of the present invention. In this view, only top loop 112 ofstrap 104 is visible. Buttons 108 are attached to carrying case 102 andserve to at least partially close opening 120. However, in someembodiments, buttons 108 may also be connected to upper loop 112. Inother embodiments, buttons 108 are only connected to upper loop 112,which wraps around carrying case 112, through opening 120, and buttons108 may be attached to an internal surface of carrying case 102. Instill other embodiments, strap 104 may have no loops and may not be sewninto the outside of carrying case 102 via seam 106.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of backpack 100, according to anembodiment of the present invention. Crease 116 is also visible in thisview. In some embodiments, lower loop 114 may be sewn into crease 116.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a backpack 600 configured to carry apillow, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Backpack600 includes a carrying case 602 configured to carry a pillow and astrap 604 connected to the outer surface of carrying case 602 via seam606. The carrying case is made from a non-rigid material that isconfigured to conform to the shape of a pillow. Strap 604 may also besewn or otherwise attached to carrying case 602 in other locations. Thestrap is connected to the carrying case such that a user can carry thebackpack over his or her shoulder. Strap 604 may also be connected to aninternal surface of carrying case 602. A side strap (not shown) may beincluded in addition to, or in lieu of, strap 604. An opening (notvisible) at the top of carrying case 602 permits insertion and removalof the pillow. In some embodiments, carrying case 602 may be configuredto house a pillow of predetermined dimensions. In some embodiments,backpack 600 may be configured to meet TSA and airline carry-onregulations.

A pair of button fasteners 608 are configured to at least partiallyclose the opening of carrying case 602 and secure the pillow inside thecarrying case via slits 610. In other embodiments, the fasteners may beone or more of zippers, clasps, snaps, toggles, or hook-in-loopfasteners, or any combination thereof. A handle 612 facilitates carryingof the backpack when strap 604 is not being used. However, the locationof handle 612 is not limited to the side, and may be placed at anylocation on carrying case 612. Backpack 600 also includes a pocket 614on the outside surface of carrying case 602. However, the positioning ofany pockets is a matter of design choice.

Some embodiments of the present invention pertain to a backpackconfigured to carry a pillow. The backpack may have a carrying case, oneor more straps configured to enable a user to carry the carrying case asa backpack, and one or more fasteners configured to at least partiallyenclose and secure the pillow within the carrying case. The carryingcase may also include one or more handles for carrying the carrying casewhen not carried as a backpack, and one or more pockets affixed to asurface of the carrying case to facilitate carrying of additionalarticles other than the pillow.

It should be noted that reference throughout this specification tofeatures, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of thefeatures and advantages that may be realized with the present inventionshould be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather,language referring to the features and advantages is understood to meanthat a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described inconnection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment ofthe present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages,and similar language, throughout this specification may, but does notnecessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that theinvention can be practiced without one or more of the specific featuresor advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additionalfeatures and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments thatmay not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that theinvention as discussed above may be practiced with features in adifferent order, and/or with elements in configurations which aredifferent than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although theinvention has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, itwould be apparent to those of skill in the art that certainmodifications, variations, and alternative constructions would beapparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.In order to determine the metes and bounds of the invention, therefore,reference should be made to the appended claims.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a carrying case configured to carry a pillow; and a strap operably connected to a surface of the carrying case, wherein the strap is connected to the carrying case such that a user can carry the apparatus containing the pillow over his or her shoulder as a backpack, and the carrying case comprises an opening configured to permit insertion and removal of the pillow.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the carrying case is configured to house a pillow of predetermined dimensions.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: one or more fasteners configured to at least partially close the opening of the carrying case and secure the pillow inside the carrying case.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the one or more fasteners comprise one or more buttons, zippers, clasps, snaps, toggles, or hook-in-loop fasteners.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the carrying case comprises a non-rigid material configured to conform to a shape of the pillow.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: one or more handles to facilitate carrying of the apparatus when not used as a backpack.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to meet Transportation Safety Administration and airline carry-on regulations.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: one or more pockets on one or more surfaces of the carrying case.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one end of the strap is operably connected to an internal surface of the carrying case.
 10. An apparatus, comprising: a carrying case configured to house a pillow via an opening in the carrying case; one or more straps operably connected to a surface of the carrying case; and one or more fasteners configured to at least partially close the opening of the carrying case to enclose the pillow within, wherein the one or more straps are connected to the carrying case such that a user can carry the apparatus containing the pillow as a backpack.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the carrying case is configured to house a pillow of predetermined dimensions.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the one or more fasteners comprise one or more buttons, zippers, clasps, snaps, toggles, or hook-in-loop fasteners.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the carrying case comprises a non-rigid material configured to conform to a shape of the pillow.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: one or more handles to facilitate carrying of the apparatus when not used as a backpack.
 15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the apparatus is configured to meet Transportation Safety Administration and airline carry-on regulations.
 16. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: one or more pockets on one or more surfaces of the carrying case.
 17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least one end of the one or more straps is operably connected to an internal surface of the carrying case.
 18. An apparatus, comprising: a carrying case configured to enclose a pillow via an opening in the carrying case; a plurality of straps operably connected to an external surface of the carrying case and configured to facilitate carrying of the apparatus as a backpack; one or more fasteners configured to at least partially close the opening of the carrying case to enclose the pillow within; and one or more handles configured to facilitate carrying of the apparatus when not used as a backpack, wherein the carrying case comprises a non-rigid fabric configured to conform to a shape of the pillow, and the carrying case is configured to house a pillow of predetermined dimensions.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the one or more fasteners comprise one or more buttons, zippers, clasps, snaps, toggles, or hook-in-loop fasteners.
 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein at least one end of each of the plurality of straps is operably connected to an internal surface of the carrying case. 